It’s the scarier and meaner PMS.
Most of us have heard of PMS, and have become quite familiar with brushing off any mood wings, attitude or cravings as being “that time of the month.” But what if your symptoms are more intense and severe? Almost like PMS, but on steroids? If your period cycle brings on this heavy wave of imbalance and feelings, what you could be suffering from could very well be PMDD.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition similar to PMS that also happens in the week or two before your period starts as hormone levels begin to fall after ovulation. The difference is, although PMDD is much more serious. PMDD causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety. Symptoms usually go away two to three days after your period starts.
Unfortunately, as with most conditions effecting women, the cause for PMDD is still relatively unknown. Some experts speculate it may be an abnormal reaction to normal hormone changes that happen with each menstrual cycle. The hormone changes can cause a serotonin deficiency, which is a substance found naturally in the brain and intestines that narrows blood vessels and can affect mood and cause physical symptoms.
People who have a personal or family history of anxiety, depression, PMS, or PMDD may be prone to also having PMDD. Although PMDD is differientiated, many of it’s traits are similar to traditional forms of mental illness. It’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional if you have any of these symptoms or feel some type of misbalance.
Treatment
The good news is there are some treatments, like medication containing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), also known as antiepressants, to combat the serotonin deficiency. PMDD is treatable through lifestyle changes, natural remedies, or medications. Some people may need a combination of all three options. The right treatment or combination of treatments can improve the symptoms.
Certain approaches or lifestyle changes may help relieve or decrease the severity of PMDD symptoms:
- Changes in diet to increase protein and carbohydrates and decrease sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- Vitamin supplements (such as vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium)
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
- Birth control pills
For some women, the severity of symptoms increases over time and lasts until menopause. For this reason, a woman may need treatment for an extended time. Medicine dosage may change throughout the course of treatment.
Symptoms
Psychological symptoms
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Lack of control
- Agitation
- Anger
- Insomnia
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Depression
- Severe fatigue
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Poor self-image
- Paranoia
- Emotional sensitivity
- Crying spells
- Moodiness
- Trouble sleeping
Fluid retention
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet
- Periodic weight gain
- Diminished urine output
- Breast fullness and pain
Respiratory problems
- Allergies
- Infections
Eye complaints
- Vision changes
- Eye infection
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pelvic heaviness or pressure
- Backache
Skin problems
- Acne
- Skin inflammation with itching
- Aggravation of other skin disorders, including cold sores
Neurologic and vascular symptoms
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Numbness, prickling, tingling, or heightened sensitivity of arms and/or legs
- Easy bruising
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle spasms
Other
- Decreased coordination
- Painful menstruation
- Diminished sex drive
- Appetite changes
- Food cravings
- Hot flashes
Since PMDD is hard to pinpoint with symptoms that interlap with many other psycological and mental conditions, you may be diagnosed with PMDD if 5 out of 11 symptons are prevlant a week or two before and after your menses.
“Symptoms of endometriosis, polycystic ovary disease, thyroid disorders, adrenal system disorders, hyperprolactinemia and panhypopituitarism may mimic symptoms of PMS. Medical disorders that may demonstrate a premenstrual increase in symptoms include migraines, asthma, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, allergies and autoimmune disorders.
It is presumed that the menstrual cycle fluctuations of gonadal hormones influence some of the symptoms of these medical conditions,” (Steiner, Pearlstein)
Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
Pearlstein, T., & Steiner, M. (2008). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: burden of illness and treatment update. Journal of psychiatry & neuroscience : JPN, 33 (4), 291–301.
